A former parish council leader who was jailed for ten years for a catalogue of sexual abuse against children has had his sentence cut by top judges.

Well known businessman Robert Giddings, who once a partner of his family-run RF Giddings sawmill, was put behind bars last year for historic sex attacks on young girls.

The now 55-year-old, who was also chairman of a school's governing body, was found guilty by a jury at Southampton Crown Court last March for the attacks on the girls aged eight and 11 more than 20 years ago.

But now three of the country’s most senior judges at London's Appeal Court have upheld his sentence challenge, ruling that the “just and proportionate” term he should serve is eight years.

Lord Justice Laws said Giddings, of Wayside Road, St Leonards, targeted the three girls when he was in his 30s, touching them intimately over their clothes. Despite appearing a pillar of the community, Giddings had previously been cautioned for assault in 1991, after he tried to grab a young girl, the appeal judge added.

Giddings quit his role as councillor at Netley Marsh Parish Council when the allegations surfaced, before also stepping down from the governing body of Netley Marsh Infant School.

His lawyers presented “glowing references” testifying to his good character at a sentencing hearing before he was ultimately jailed, the appeal judge added.

“A pre-sentence report recorded that he was still protesting his innocence,” Lord Justice Laws said. On appeal, Giddings’ lawyers argued that ten years was too long, especially considering that the historic nature of the offences meant he would serve at least two-thirds of the jail term before qualifying for automatic release.

Lord Justice Laws, sitting with Mr Justice Globe and Judge Paul Batty QC, agreed, saying: “In our judgment, the just and proportionate sentence would have been a total of eight years.”

Senior judges really???? Think they should start to look at the crimes these things are committing, time and time again. When is enough going to be enough, you can not cure these people, so they will continue as there is no punishment for them. That thing {cant call him a man} had already been cautioned for assault 1991 for trying to grab a young girl, there is his "glowing reference" {i did it once so will get away with it again}, and he has. When is this country going to wake up to these sick pedophiles and WE start looking after our young and venerable children and adults.

Senior judges really???? Think they should start to look at the crimes these things are committing, time and time again. When is enough going to be enough, you can not cure these people, so they will continue as there is no punishment for them. That thing {cant call him a man} had already been cautioned for assault 1991 for trying to grab a young girl, there is his "glowing reference" {i did it once so will get away with it again}, and he has. When is this country going to wake up to these sick pedophiles and WE start looking after our young and venerable children and adults.lisa.cupra

The people that gave the glowing references should be ashamed of themselves and hope they're happy they have helped to put another paedophile back on the streets, this country is getting like America and it shows that money can buy you anything

The people that gave the glowing references should be ashamed of themselves and hope they're happy they have helped to put another paedophile back on the streets, this country is getting like America and it shows that money can buy you anythingJamie@@

The judges should be fired for one thing its a disgrace they can claim this guy had glowing references so the sentence should be lessened. Do the judges even live on planet earth or do they keep their heads in the clouds. He's a dirty disgusting child molesting piece of crap who should NEVER see daylight as long as he breathes

The judges should be fired for one thing its a disgrace they can claim this guy had glowing references so the sentence should be lessened. Do the judges even live on planet earth or do they keep their heads in the clouds. He's a dirty disgusting child molesting piece of crap who should NEVER see daylight as long as he breathesMary80

This is guilty man who should serve his time for what he did. These 3 girls were the victims in this and they now feel like the criminals it is disgusting. The people that gave the glowing reference obviously have no idea of the true character of this man. Knowing the people involved breaks my heart and theirs that this can happen. This justice system seems so wrong and these girls now feel they are being punished maybe the echo and the court should get references on these girls as I know these would be glowing and honest.
stay strong girls xx

This is guilty man who should serve his time for what he did. These 3 girls were the victims in this and they now feel like the criminals it is disgusting. The people that gave the glowing reference obviously have no idea of the true character of this man. Knowing the people involved breaks my heart and theirs that this can happen. This justice system seems so wrong and these girls now feel they are being punished maybe the echo and the court should get references on these girls as I know these would be glowing and honest.
stay strong girls xxtinkerbell1979

Mary80 wrote:
He's a child molestor i dont care if the friggin pope gave him a reference it does NOT alter what the sick scumbag did. He ruined the lives of everyone around him let him die in prison i say

If the "friggin pope" gave him a reference I would expect his sentence to be doubled.

[quote][p][bold]Mary80[/bold] wrote:
He's a child molestor i dont care if the friggin pope gave him a reference it does NOT alter what the sick scumbag did. He ruined the lives of everyone around him let him die in prison i say[/p][/quote]If the "friggin pope" gave him a reference I would expect his sentence to be doubled.For pity sake

Removal of his equipment should have been the lower wend of the sentence, can't say punishment any more, but my personal view is that all such paedos should be given a suspended sentence. By the neck.

Removal of his equipment should have been the lower wend of the sentence, can't say punishment any more, but my personal view is that all such paedos should be given a suspended sentence. By the neck.Inform Al